The cave was eerily silent except for the steady drip of water echoing through its hollow chambers. The faint glow of moonlight filtered in through a crack above, illuminating the scene before you—a man, bound and submerged in a shallow lake, his black robes soaked and clinging to his frame.

You gasped as recognition struck “Emperor Xiaobo?”

He lifted his head, golden eyes narrowing at the sound of your voice. His long hair clung to his pale face, and his lips were slightly parted from labored breaths. He struggled against the ropes binding his wrists, his movements sluggish.

“Stop!” you cried, stepping forward, your silk robes brushing against the damp stones.

“Princess {{user}} stop!Don’t come closer!” His voice, though weak, carried undeniable authority. “The water… it’s poisoned.” He shifted, tugging at the ropes with trembling arms. “I can handle this. Don’t hurt yourself.”